opponent
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opponent
A person who competes against another person or group in a game, contest, or conflict; an opponent or competitor.
Im Finale traf der Tennisprofi auf seinen stärksten Gegenspieler.
In the final, the tennis pro faced his strongest opponent.
antagonist
The character in a story, film, or play who works against the protagonist, the hero; the antagonist.
Der Gegenspieler von Sherlock Holmes ist Professor Moriarty.
Sherlock Holmes's antagonist is Professor Moriarty.
rival
A person or group with opposing political, economic, or ideological interests.
In der politischen Debatte profilierte er sich als scharfer Gegenspieler der Regierung.
In the political debate, he established himself as a sharp rival of the government.
The word is built simply: 'Gegen-' means 'against' or 'opposite', and 'Spieler' is the person who plays. A 'Gegenspieler' is therefore literally a person who 'plays against you'.
Im Schach ist es wichtig, die Züge seines Gegenspielers vorauszusehen.
In chess, it is important to anticipate your opponent's moves.
The exact meaning of 'Gegenspieler' becomes clear from context. In sports it is the opponent, in a film the antagonist, and in politics the political rival.
In der Debatte hatte der Minister einen starken Gegenspieler aus der Opposition.
In the debate, the minister had a strong rival from the opposition.
'Gegenspieler' is often combined with adjectives that describe its strength or importance. Common combinations are 'ein harter Gegenspieler' (a tough opponent), 'ein ernstzunehmender Gegenspieler' (a serious opponent), or 'sein direkter Gegenspieler' (his direct opponent).
Die Kanzlerin traf sich mit ihrem wichtigsten politischen Gegenspieler.
The chancellor met with her most important political rival.
opponent
Gegner is the general term for a person or team one competes against. Gegenspieler places more emphasis on the specific opposing role within a game or competition. Gegenspieler is especially suitable when two players are directly matched against each other.
Während des Spiels decke ich Jonas als meinen direkten Gegenspieler.
During the game, I mark Jonas, my direct opponent.
Im nächsten Spiel ist Jonas mein Gegner.
Jonas is my opponent in the next game.
